Letter from the Board of Selectmen Chair to Residents
As we all remember September 11, 2001, the United States of America experienced a horrific terror attack. On that date 23 years ago when four hijacked planes crashed into the twin towers at the World Trade Center in New York City, at the Pentagon and a plane that passengers brought down in Pennsylvania that was headed to the U.S. Capital our lives changed forever. On that fateful day 2,977 innocent souls lost their lives of which included 343 FDNY firefighters, 13 paramedics, 72 police officers and 55 military personnel at the Pentagon. On that day Abington resident Jeffrey Coombs, was a passenger on the high jacked American Airlines Flight 11 when it crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center at 8:46 a.m., after taking off from Boston Logan Airport, sadly perished.
In the several years after 911, fitting ceremonies were held in almost every town and city in the United States. Abington was no exception. With the passage of time sadly that tradition has trickled off.
To this end the Board of Selectmen wishes to have a fitting and somber memorial ceremony at the 911 Memorial Beam in front of the Police Station on Central Street, beginning at 8:30 a.m., September 11, 2024. At 8:46 a.m., we will pause for a moment of silence when the first plane hit.
On behalf of the Board of Selectmen I would like to invite all the people of Abington to attend this Ceremony so as we do not lose sight of the sacrifices that were made that day and the ensuing years of first responders who became ill and died as a result of the injuries and sicknesses as a result of that horrific attack on our democracy.
Please join us to pause for a few moments of your time to honor these heroic martyrs for democracy. Kindly forward to anyone not noted on this communication and, if possible, please post to Facebook.
Thanks very much for your kind attention.
Kevin R. Donovan, Chairman
Abington Board of Selectmen